Effective content marketing is intentionally crafted, but easily taken for granted — especially if it’s working its magic. You’d never say something like, “Awesome copy, it made me buy that thing!” Well…maybe, if you’re a word nerd, or a web copywriter. Here’s a secret ingredient from our toolbox: using psychology in content marketing, for the win.

Today’s Internet is an information trash pile just as much as it’s a superhighway. Anyone can create content, which means there’s just as much junk as there is compelling information. Shareable content entertains, educates and adds value to the lives of the audience members who consume it.

If you wish to join the ranks of content writers who add value to the Internet community, here are a few guidelines for delivering quality.

In the battle of rankings, website owners and developers sometimes forget that the quality of the website really drives success. How your site feels to visitors and how credible your web content is will have a huge effect on whether they linger, and more importantly, share your link with others.

What’s a web content strategy? It’s planning content creation, delivery and governance, and it’s a practice every business should employ — but few do. Taking a step back and developing the right strategy can maximize the impact and reach of your web content, and help you surpass your business goals.

Product web pages are the “money” pages of your website. They’re where you convert lookers to buyers. If you want to maximize conversions, it’s not enough to merely cut and paste manufacturer product descriptions onto your product pages. You need to structure and write product information specifically for the web. Here are a few tips.

Any experienced copywriter knows when you take time to explore your prospects, you’ll produce more effective content, a stronger marketing campaign and boost conversions. So, to truly connect with and engage your desired audience, be sure to consider their emotions, attitudes and aspirations.

When you think of myths, you might think of ancient Greece and sacred beliefs about Titans, Olympians and lesser gods. Copywriting, although less ancient or sacred, has its own set of myths about copy length and word choice. In the interests of better copy for everyone, let’s dispel some of the most pervasive copywriting myths.

Humans are hardwired for stories. Our earliest communities used storytelling to transmit beliefs and information from one generation to the next. Even today, we teach our children to respond to stories, whether it’s The Tales of Peter Rabbit or The Time Aunt Becky Got Smashed during Christmas Dinner.

Today, marketers use stories as a powerful way to connect with consumers. You can use storytelling to sell too, if you know when and where to use it.

Most marketing campaigns can be stripped down to one of two themes: build the dream or stop the pain. Marketers tend to favour stop the pain. After all, not everyone has a dream, but everyone has a problem.